Karwa Chauth 2026 falls on Thursday, 29 October. The fast runs from 6:31 AM to approximately 8:17–8:18 PM, with moonrise in Delhi around 8:18 PM. For the puja and moon sighting, opt for traditional festive wear in red, pink, or orange—lehengas, sarees, or salwar suits—paired with classic bridal jewelry and sindoor.
Karwa Chauth is one of the most visually stunning festivals in the Hindu calendar—and one of the most detail-dependent. Miss the moonrise window by a few minutes, show up underdressed for the puja, or rush through getting ready because you didn't plan ahead, and the day feels incomplete. This guide gives you every timing you need for 2026, plus a practical breakdown of what to wear for the fast, the puja, and the moon sighting.
When Is Karwa Chauth 2026?
Karwa Chauth falls on Thursday, 29 October 2026. Here are the key timings to save:
- Chaturthi Tithi begins: 1:06 AM on 29 October
- Upavasa (fast) time: 6:31 AM to approximately 8:17–8:18 PM
- Puja Muhurat: Approximately 5:38 PM to 6:57 PM (some sources note the window extending to around 8:09 PM—check your local panchangam for precision)
- Moonrise in Delhi: Approximately 8:18 PM
Moonrise times will vary by city. If you're outside Delhi, look up your local moonrise time for 29 October 2026 in advance—the difference can be 15 to 45 minutes depending on your location.
What to Wear on Karwa Chauth 2026
What to Wear During the Day (While Fasting)
Comfort matters more than glamour during the fast itself. You'll spend the day without food or water, which means you want clothing that doesn't add physical strain.
Good choices for daytime:
- A lightweight cotton or georgette salwar suit in festive colors
- A simple anarkali that's easy to move in
- A pre-stitched saree if you want to stay dressed up without the effort of re-draping later
Stick to your festive color palette—red, maroon, pink, orange, or gold—even during the day. It keeps the mood right and means you won't need a full outfit change before the puja.
What to Wear for the Karwa Chauth Puja and Moon Sighting
This is the main event. The Puja Muhurat on 29 October 2026 falls in the early evening, starting around 5:38 PM—so you'll want to be fully dressed well before that.
Traditional choices that always work:
- Lehenga choli: The most popular choice for Karwa Chauth. Red, hot pink, or deep maroon lehengas with heavy embroidery photograph beautifully and feel appropriately bridal. Opt for georgette or net if the evening is warm; velvet or silk if October is cool in your region.
- Silk saree: A Banarasi or Kanjivaram in red or pink, draped traditionally, is timeless. If you wore your wedding saree, many women choose to rewear it on Karwa Chauth—it's considered auspicious.
- Anarkali or sharara suit: A better option if you find sarees or lehengas uncomfortable for outdoor moon sighting. A heavily embellished anarkali in a festive color reads just as celebratory.
Colors to prioritize: Red is traditional and most widely worn. Pink, orange, yellow, and gold are also considered auspicious. Many women choose to wear the color they wore on their wedding day.
Jewelry and Accessories for Karwa Chauth
The jewelry is as important as the outfit. Traditional Karwa Chauth dressing includes:
- Chooda or bangles — typically red and gold
- Maang tikka
- Jhumkas or chandelier earrings
- Mathapatti — especially for the puja
- Sindoor — freshly applied for the occasion
Keep footwear practical if you're stepping outside for the moon sighting. Block heels or embellished flats are smarter than stilettos on uneven ground in the dark.
How to Plan Your Evening Around the Moonrise
With moonrise in Delhi at approximately 8:18 PM on 29 October 2026, the timeline is tight. Puja ideally wraps up before or around moonrise, so you'll want to be fully dressed and at your puja space by 5:30 PM at the latest.
A practical order of events:
- Complete your getting-ready routine (hair, makeup, outfit) by 5:00–5:15 PM
- Begin puja during the Muhurat window starting at 5:38 PM
- Watch for the moon from 8:15 PM onward
- Break the fast after sighting the moon—usually with water and sweets offered by your husband
Don't leave getting dressed to the last hour. Draping a saree or getting into a lehenga takes time, and rushing through it under pressure isn't worth it.
Your Karwa Chauth 2026, Planned
The date is locked in: Thursday, 29 October 2026. The fast starts at dawn, the puja falls in the early evening, and the moon rises in Delhi at around 8:18 PM. Plan your outfit around comfort during the day and festivity for the evening—and you'll be ready for everything the day brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is Karwa Chauth in 2026?
Karwa Chauth 2026 falls on Thursday, 29 October. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 1:06 AM, and the fast runs from 6:31 AM to approximately 8:17–8:18 PM.
What time does the moon rise on Karwa Chauth 2026 in Delhi?
Moonrise in Delhi on 29 October 2026 is at approximately 8:18 PM. Moonrise times vary by location, so check your city's specific time ahead of the date.
What color should I wear on Karwa Chauth?
Red is the most traditional and widely worn color on Karwa Chauth, considered auspicious and closely associated with the festival. Pink, orange, yellow, and gold are also popular and appropriate choices.
What is the Puja Muhurat for Karwa Chauth 2026?
The Puja Muhurat for Karwa Chauth 2026 is approximately 5:38 PM to 6:57 PM, with some sources placing the extended window up to around 8:09 PM. Refer to your local panchangam for the most precise timing.
Can I wear a salwar suit instead of a saree or lehenga on Karwa Chauth?
Yes. A heavily embellished anarkali or silk salwar suit in a festive color is entirely appropriate and increasingly popular, especially for women who find sarees or lehengas uncomfortable for a long day of fasting and an evening puja.
